Introduction

In early January 2026, Nigeria’s healthcare sector faced renewed disruption as resident doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, announced their support for the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ (NARD) resumption of a nationwide strike. This decision, effective from midnight on January 12, 2026, underscores persistent failures by the Federal Government to fully implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2025. The strike, part of the Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike (TICS) campaign, highlights critical unresolved issues affecting the welfare and professional conditions of resident doctors across the country.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the strike, its causes, implications, and the broader context of healthcare labor relations in Nigeria. By examining the specific demands of the Ogun psychiatric doctors and their alignment with NARD’s national agenda, we aim to offer readers a clear understanding of the situation and its potential impact on public health services.

Key Points

Background

Previous Industrial Actions

The current strike is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of industrial actions by Nigerian healthcare workers. In November 2025, a 29-day nationwide strike by resident doctors ended after the Federal Government signed an MoU agreeing to address several longstanding demands, including salary increments, improved working conditions, and the payment of professional allowances. However, the implementation of these agreements has been slow and incomplete, leading to renewed unrest among medical professionals.

Role of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)

NARD is the professional body representing resident doctors in Nigeria. The association has been at the forefront of advocating for better working conditions, fair remuneration, and improved healthcare infrastructure. NARD’s leadership has consistently emphasized the need for the government to honor its commitments to healthcare workers, arguing that the well-being of doctors directly impacts the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.

Analysis

Causes of the Strike

The decision by the resident doctors at Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital to join the nationwide strike was driven by several critical factors:

• Unimplemented MoU: Despite signing the MoU in November 2025, the Federal Government has failed to fully implement its provisions. This includes delays in payment of salary arrears and professional allowances.
• Dismissal of Colleagues: The strike demands the immediate reinstatement of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, who were reportedly dismissed without due process.
• Professional Allowances: Doctors are calling for the full implementation of the corrected professional allowance table, with arrears included in the 2026 Federal Budget.
• Working Conditions: Persistent issues with inadequate medical supplies, poor infrastructure, and insufficient staffing have exacerbated the situation.

Impact on Healthcare Services

The strike is expected to significantly disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria, particularly in federal medical institutions. The Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, is one of the leading mental health facilities in the country, and its closure due to the strike could severely affect patients requiring specialized care. The broader implications include:

• Reduced Access to Care: Patients may face delays in receiving treatment, particularly for non-emergency procedures.
• Increased Burden on Private Facilities: Private hospitals and clinics may experience a surge in patient volume, potentially leading to increased costs.
• Public Health Risks: Delays in medical interventions could exacerbate health conditions and lead to preventable complications.

Government Response and Negotiations

The Federal Government’s response to the strike has been a subject of debate. While officials have expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, the pace of negotiations and implementation of agreements has been criticized as insufficient. The government faces the dual challenge of addressing the doctors’ demands while managing the economic implications of increased healthcare spending.

Practical Advice

For Patients

Given the potential disruption to healthcare services, patients are advised to:

• Plan Ahead: If you have scheduled appointments or elective procedures, contact your healthcare provider to confirm availability.
• Seek Alternatives: Consider private healthcare facilities or neighboring states for non-emergency treatments.
• Prepare for Delays: Emergency services are typically maintained during strikes, but non-emergency care may be delayed.
• Stay Informed: Monitor official announcements from healthcare providers and government agencies for updates on service availability.

For Healthcare Workers

For healthcare professionals not participating in the strike, it is important to:

• Maintain Professional Standards: Continue to provide quality care to patients while respecting the rights of striking colleagues.
• Stay Updated: Keep informed about the progress of negotiations and any developments in the industrial action.
• Support Colleagues: Offer solidarity to striking colleagues while adhering to institutional policies.

FAQ

Conclusion

The decision by resident doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, to join NARD’s nationwide strike reflects deep-seated frustrations within the medical community regarding unmet promises and deteriorating working conditions. While the strike aims to address critical issues affecting healthcare workers, it also poses significant challenges to the delivery of medical services across Nigeria.

Resolving this industrial dispute requires urgent and sincere engagement from the Federal Government, coupled with a commitment to implementing agreements in a timely manner. The health and well-being of millions of Nigerians depend on a functional and motivated healthcare workforce. As negotiations continue, it is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize dialogue and compromise to ensure that the nation’s healthcare system can thrive.